If you’ve been looking for a unit with a powerful motor and first-rate features, Brother has a few models that might respond to your needs such as the Brother XR9500PRW.
It’s one of the company’s Project Runway™ Limited Edition Series. This model is made with newbies and seasoned sewers in mind. It’s sturdy but user-friendly and budget-friendly!
What I like most about this sewing machine is the weight. It’s lightweight enough to carry anywhere. It’s also versatile and has 100 stitches but let’s not reveal everything at the start.
If you want to learn more about this machine in hopes to learn if it’s right for you, make sure to read my Brother XR9500PRW review. Let’s start with the technical specifications.
Technical Specifications
| Dimensions: | 20.3 x 12.7 x 17.6 inches |
| Machine weight: | 9.92 pounds |
| Built-in sewing stitches: | 100 |
| Machine speed: | 850 |
| Warranty: | 25-year limited warranty |
Table of Contents
Brother XR9500PRW Review
For starters, XR9500PRW is a lightweight sewing unit. Therefore, it’s portable and easy to carry around. It weighs only 9.9 pounds and has a wide range of convenient features.
This limited-edition machine comes to your hand fully equipped with the backlit, large LCD screen. This is one of my favourite features because it enables computerized stitch selection.
There’s also a needle threading system which makes threading easier. Another thing I like about this unit is the number of stitches. It’s loaded with 100 stitch patterns and a flip stitch guide.
The full set would reach you with a large, oversized table which allows you to make larger projects such as quilts. It has only 8 styles of buttonholes and a simple bobbin winding system.
Although Brother XR9500PRW is lightweight, it’s still stable and offers durability thanks to the metal and plastic construction. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features.
100 Built-In Stitches
This sewing machine includes 100 unique stitches including decorative stitches, utility stitches, as well as heirloom stitches. Each of these would come with several stitch functions.
Zigzag Stitches
The zigzag patterns with the maximum width of 7mm (extra-wide) and decorative patterns are available on this Brother Limited Edition sewing machine.
Sewing Font
Another thing that is worth mentioning is the sewing font for basic monogramming. For the lettering, you can select from the 55 inbuilt alphanumeric stitches.
Buttonhole Styles and Stitch Functions
Brother XR9500PRW sewing machine has almost 140 stitch functions. You will also get 8 styles of 1-step auto-size buttonholes with this machine.
Portability
If you’re looking for a portable sewing machine, look no further than XR9500PRW. It weighs 9.9 pounds. Therefore, it can be moved from one place to another with great ease.
Free Arm
The free arm function in this machine will be helpful to get to hard-to-reach spots like sleeves and cuffs with great ease. It’s one of my favourite features in sewing machines.
Work Area
The workspace of this sewing machine is brightly lit by LED. Therefore, you will get optimal viewing. The best part? The LED bulbs stay cool to the touch as long as you use your unit.
Position Button
The needle position switch allows users to switch the position of the needle once the sewing machine is stopped.
Easy Threading
XR9500PRW is perfect for beginners because threading the sewing machine is very easy. It comes with a simple needle threading system. This is a big time-saver!
Loading of Bobbin
Another thing I like about this machine is the loading of the bobbin. It’s been made with a jam-resistant, drop-in top loading bobbin system which would make it simpler to load the bobbin.
Stitch Selection
The backlit, large LCD screen of this sewing machine enables computerized selection of patterns. There’s also a flip-stitch guide for your reference.
Faster Winding
The system has been built-in with an automated and faster bobbin winding system. Therefore, sewers can enjoy easy bobbin winding.
Foot Controller
XR9500PRW also has a foot controller for the sake of gaining full control over various sewing tasks. It’s one of my favourite features about this Brother limited edition sewing machine.
Drop Feed
There’s also a drop feed option in this sewing machine for free-motion quilting. This helps you make free form and regular quilt patterns.
Pressing Feet
XR9500PRW is made with quick-change regular pressing feet with which you can switch the presser feet faster and easier.
Machine Speed
Since it’s a beginner-friendly unit, XR9500PRW has a maximum speed of 850 stitches per minute. It’s still a decent speed for a household sewing machine.
Brother XR9500PRW Pros and Cons
For people who don’t like tinkering with sewing machines and machines, in general, this one is a dream. It’s economical and easy to use. However, it’s not perfect. Let’s summarize the pros and cons you should be aware of.
Pros
- Alphanumeric font for applying letters or monogramming items
- The Brother XR9500PRW is affordable, easy to install and easy to utilize
- You can set up this machine and start sewing just moments after it arrives at your doorstep
- Computerized stitch selection makes it simpler for people to switch from one pattern to another
- Thanks to the flip quick stitch guide, you can easily reference the stitch number you want to use
- It has a free arm to make it simpler to reach hard-to-reach spots like cuffs and sleeves
- The wide, oversized work table and drop feed dogs can be helpful in quilting
- Adjustable sewing speeds and multiple needle positions (super useful)
Cons
- It doesn’t include a carrying case or roller bag
- Although this sewing machine has various thread cutters that save time, they’re not automatic thread cutters. There’s no scissor button on the machine that you can push to slice your thread automatically. It just features blades that assist in manual thread cutting.
- As durable, stable and powerful this sewing machine is, it isn’t the greatest sewing machine out there. It can’t handle heavy-duty dense fabrics. If you work with heavier materials, your best bet is to search for another sewing machine that can handle heavy-duty dense materials with ease
- The throat area of this machine isn’t that bigger either
How to Use Brother XR9500PRW?
XR9500PRW is easy to install but even easier to use. Once unboxed, this sewing machine is ready for use right away. Therefore, it’s perfect for people without any sewing experience.
It requires basic assembly. Additionally, you will get a user manual. It’s well-written and simple to follow. You can rely on these guides whenever you need help or watch YouTube tutorials.
How to Thread a Brother XR9500PRW Sewing Machine?
This sewing machine features automatic sewing capabilities with adjustable speed and the needle stops down and can be lifted with a switch.
I looked at how hard it was to fit the unit, set the bobby, thread the needle, wind the bobbin, and switch the pressing feet. And I realized it’s pretty simple.
Brother XR9500PRW is very easy to thread thanks to the instructions printed on the side of the machine. They’re relatively clear and simple to follow.
With simple instructions as well as a bobbling plate that is easy to take off, the bobbin is even simpler to set up and install. This has the regular half-automatic needle threader.
The thread is looped around the hooks. Then, strengthened up the lever to thread the needle. It’s simple to locate a piston with XR9500PRW and the completed piston is wound very uniformly.
This unit delivers high-quality, clean and secure buttonholes with only the slightest thing about bunching some of the delicate materials at the top bar.
What Size Bobbin for Brother XR9500PRW?
It uses SA156 bobbins (class 15). However, despite what the company says, you can use either plastic or metal as long as the size is right.
If you want to be safe and use only what’s recommended by the company, purchase the plastic bobbins. They also allow you to see how full the bobbin is while in use.
Class 15 is regular for top-loading sewing units. Also, it’s bigger than the older regular bobbins, class 66, which is utilized in the side loading bobbins.
What Comes with Brother XR9500PRW?
If you purchase this particular model, you will get a computerized sewing machine from a popular brand that provides impressive versatility, durability and stability.
It includes a wide, oversized work table. Therefore, you can make quilts and other larger projects. It’s a great machine for quilting. However, it’s also handy for other tasks as well.
Included with every purchase are a twin needle, ballpoint needle, a needle set, and 3bobbins. There’s also a seam ripper, spool pin, a cleaning brush, screwdriver, and a foot controller.
You will also get a well-written, easy to follow the user manual and a hard exterior cover to protect the unit from dust. As you can notice, XR9500PRW brings great value for money.
As you can see, Brother offers both functional variety and good value packed into a small machine. And the warranty is great. You will get a 25-year limited warranty.
This company has become a well-known, respected brand in the market with good reason. They deliver decent quality units at appealing prices.
And they provide a 25-year limited warranty. This shows that Brother stands behind their products. This particular unit should work perfectly right out of the box.
However, if you encounter issues at the start or years later, it’s comforting to know that you’re covered by a 25-year limited warranty. What’s your opinion on this brand?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
How Many Feet Come with Brother XR9500PRW?
You will get 7 different presser feet as standard with this sewing machine including:
- Zigzag foot
- Zipper foot
- Blind stitch foot
- Monogramming foot
- Overcasting foot
- Button sewing foot
- Buttonhole foot
They’re all easy to adjust. And your digital display notifies you which one is the proper one to use in any given situation. These alone provide a lot of functionality and flexibility.
Who is This Sewing Machine Best Suited for?
XR9500PRW is made with beginners and intermediate sewers in mind. The ease with which you can use and learn this unit makes it ideal for newbies.
You can begin wherever you are and grow to learn a lot of things. It’s one of those sewing machines that can serve you as you grow and expand your skills.
If you’re a student of the practice of sewing and/or quilting, you will find the 3-speed control slider very helpful. It’s also a great choice for intermediate users.
If you have outgrown your basic sewing machine and you’re looking for something a bit more advanced, look no further than the Brother XR9500PRW.
Advanced users may still appreciate the oversized table that’s ideal for quilting, automatic buttonholes, and the wide selection of built-in sewing stitches (100 built-in sewing stitches).
However, advanced sewers need features like bigger throat space, manual presser foot pressure control, and knee lifter. Unfortunately, this sewing unit doesn’t provide these features.
And not only this but similar units in this price range don’t provide these features. Therefore, if you have industrial heavy-duty tasks to complete, don’t buy this sewing machine.
Brother XR9500PRW is a household sewing machine. It’s perfect for both basic and complex projects but nothing too crazy! It’s not a commercial sewing machine for sure!
Brother XR9500PRW vs Brother XR9550PRW
Brother XR9550PRW is the improved version of XR9500PRQ.
Therefore, the previous version was a limited edition as stated by its name. The design of the upgraded model has improved slightly. However, the main difference is in the stitches.
The new model has 110 built-in stitches while the old one has only 100. It’s not that big of a difference. However, it’s still an improvement. Also, the new model has an extra presser foot.
It comes with a quilting foot. Operationally, both units are similar. They come with the same automated features. And they’re both covered by a 25-year limited warranty.
Brother XR9500PRW for Sale
Portable and lightweight, this computerized unit offers a broad range of convenient features. It’s a great limited edition sewing machine made with enthusiastic beginners in mind.
You can find great new and used options and get the greatest deals for Brother XR9500PRW at Brother’s official website or Sewing Machine Plus. Of course, it’s also available at Amazon.
FAQ
Final Verdict
One of the things I forgot to mention about this sewing machine is that it was a Woman’s Choice award-winning sewing machine in 2018. Additionally, 9 out of 10 buyers recommend it.
And I’m one of them! XR9500PRW is affordable, versatile, and portable. It weighs only 9.9 pounds. It’s beginner-friendly but includes advanced features that even advanced users appreciate.
It’s the best option for home sewers. Hopefully, my Brother XR9500PRW review can help you determine if it’s the best option for you. Feel free to share your questions and thoughts below!